Automaton tool mounting system

Abstract

Disclosed is a tool mounting device and system for utilizing same having a bayonet connector with integral electrical and pneumatic connections. The automaton is capable of engaging a desired tool on command, utilizing the tool, and then replacing that tool and obtaining a second tool without human interference. Electrical power is provided for certain tool accessories as is a pneumatic conduit for driving drills, sprayers, and the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A unitary mounting and coupling apparatus for joining a tool to an automaton comprising: a. a male connector having in cooperative combination at least one pin, a first plurality of electrical contacts, a first compressed air fitting and a mounting surface; and   b. a cooperating female connector having at least one slot for receiving said pin, a second plurality of electrical contacts for connection with said first plurality of contacts, a second compressed air fitting for connection to said first compressed air fitting, and a mounting surface; wherein said apparatus is adapted to select and mount said tool, and couple electric and air power to said tool in a single connect operation, under control of said automaton, the choice of said power connections a function of the tool selected, in conjunction with said apparatus.   
     
     
       2. A coupling apparatus as in claim 1, said automaton having a moveable arm, wherein said mounting surface of said cooperating female member is rigidly attached to said arm. 
     
     
       3. A coupling apparatus as in claim 1, said automaton having a movable arm, wherein said mounting surface of said male connector is rigidly attached to said arm. 
     
     
       4. A coupling apparatus as in claim 2, further comprising a plurality of male connectors, each connector attached to one of a plurality of tools. 
     
     
       5. A coupling apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said plurality of male connectors are each positioned at a known position relative to said automaton wherein said automaton, in response to programming instructions, locates said known position and is capable of attaching and detaching a male connector and the attached tool. 
     
     
       6. A tool mounting system for an automaton comprising: a. means for rigidly mounting a tool on said automaton;   b. means for electrically connection said tool to said automaton in cooperation with said rigid mounting means; and   c. means for forming a continuous air conduit intermediate said tool and said automaton wherein said means for rigid mounting, said means for electrical interconnection, and said means for forming an air conduit cooperatively associated in a single mounting structure wherein said tool mounting system is adapted to select and mount said tool, and couple electric and air power to said tool in a single connect operation, under control of said automaton, the choice of said power connections a function of the tool selected, in conjunction with said apparatus.   
     
     
       7. A tool mounting system as in claim 6 said automaton having a moveable arm, said arm rigidly attached to a first portion of said single mounting structure. 
     
     
       8. A tool mounting system as in claim 6 further comprising a tool rigidly attached to a second portion of a single mounting structure, said first portion and second portion capable of cooperative engagement. 
     
     
       9. A tool mounting system as in claim 8 further comprising a plurality of second portions of said single mounting structure, each of said second portions attached to one of a plurality of tools. 
     
     
       10. A tool mounting system as in claim 9 wherein said plurality of second portions of said single mounting structure in conjunction with said attached tools are each positioned at a known position relative to said automaton wherein said automaton, in response to programming instructions, locates said known position and is capable of engaging and disengaging a second portion and the corresponding attached tool. 
     
     
       11. A bayonet coupling apparatus for joining a plurality of tools, one at a time, to an automaton comprising: a. an electrical connection in said coupling between said automaton and a mounted one of said tools;   b. an air supply connection in said coupling between said automaton and a mounted one of said tools; and   c. means for selection, mounting and dismounting one of said tools to said automaton wherein said bayonet coupling additionally operates to contemporaneously connect when mounting and contemporaneously disconnect when dismounting, said air supply connection and said electrical connection, in a single operation, and under control of said automaton; the choice of said power connections a function of the tool selected, in conjunction with said apparatus.   
     
     
       12. A bayonet coupling apparatus as in claim 11 having a cooperative male and female member wherein said male member is rigidly attached to said automaton. 
     
     
       13. A bayonet coupling apparatus as in claim 11 having a cooperating male and female member wherein said female member is rigidly attached to said automaton. 
     
     
       14. A bayonet coupling apparatus as in claim 13 further comprising a plurality of cooperating male members each rigidly attached to one of a plurality of tools. 
     
     
       15. A bayonet coupling apparatus as in claim 14 wherein said plurality of male members and their respective tools are each positioned at a known position relative to said automaton wherein said automaton, in response to programming instructions, locates said known position and is capable of connecting and disconnecting a male member and the corresponding attached tool.